Introduction

Deuteronomy 31 marks Moses's transition from leader to prophet-witness. At 120 years old, unable to enter the Promised Land, Moses commissions Joshua, arranges for the law to be read every seven years, and receives a song to teach Israel. This chapter captures both the grief of ending and the hope of continuation—God's work does not depend on any single leader.

Moses's Farewell Encouragement (Verses 1-6)

[1-2] Moses addresses all Israel: "I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me, 'You shall not cross the Jordan.'" Moses acknowledges his own limitation with remarkable acceptance.

[3-6] Despite Moses's departure, Israel can take courage because "the LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you." He will destroy the nations before them, and Joshua will lead them across. God will do to these nations what He did to Sihon and Og. Therefore: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." This assurance echoes throughout Scripture and applies to all God's people (Hebrews 13:5">Hebrews 13:5).

Joshua's Public Commission (Verses 7-8)

[7-8] Moses calls Joshua and, in the sight of all Israel, commissions him: "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their ancestors to give them." Joshua must divide it as their inheritance. The LORD Himself will go before Joshua, being with him, never leaving or forsaking him. "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

The Law to Be Read Every Seven Years (Verses 9-13)

[9-11] Moses writes down this law and gives it to the Levitical priests who carry the ark of the covenant, and to all the elders of Israel. He commands that at the end of every seven years, during the Feast of Tabernacles, when all Israel appears before the LORD at the chosen place, "you shall read this law before them in their hearing."

[12-13] The purpose is so that "the people—men, women and children, and the foreigners residing in your towns—may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law." Children who do not yet know the law will hear it and learn to fear God "as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess."

This seven-year reading ensured that each generation heard God's word directly and no one could claim ignorance.

God's Warning of Future Apostasy (Verses 14-21)

[14-15] God summons Moses and Joshua to the tent of meeting, appearing in a pillar of cloud that stands over the tent entrance.

[16-18] God tells Moses: "You are going to rest with your ancestors, and these people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them." God's anger will burn against them; He will hide His face, and disaster will overtake them. They will ask, "Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?"

[19-21] God commands Moses to write a song and teach it to Israel as a witness against them. When they enter the land flowing with milk and honey, eat their fill, grow fat, and turn to other gods, this song will testify against them. "It will not be forgotten by their descendants." God knows their inclinations even before they enter the land.

Moses Writes the Law and Song (Verses 22-29)

[22] Moses writes the song that day and teaches it to Israel.

[23] The LORD commissions Joshua directly: "Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you."

[24-26] After Moses finishes writing the law on a scroll, he commands the Levites to take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant "as a witness against you." Moses knows Israel's rebellious and stiff-necked character—if they rebelled while he lived, how much more after his death!

[27-29] Moses assembles the elders and officials to speak this song in their hearing, calling heaven and earth to witness. He predicts that after his death, they will become "utterly corrupt and turn from the way I have commanded you." Disaster will fall "because you will do evil in the sight of the LORD and arouse his anger."

Key Takeaways

• Leadership transitions: God's work continues through new leaders; no one is indispensable.
• God's presence is the key: "He will never leave you nor forsake you"—this promise sustains courage.
• Scripture must be read: Regular public reading ensures each generation knows God's word.
• God knows human hearts: Even before Israel enters the land, God foresees their apostasy.
• Witnesses against us: The law and song serve as testimonies when Israel forgets.

Reflection Questions

1. How does Moses's acceptance of his limitations model graceful leadership transition?
2. What does "the LORD your God goes with you" mean for your own challenges today?
3. Why did God command Scripture to be read publicly every seven years, and what might this suggest about our own Scripture engagement?
4. How does God's foreknowledge of Israel's failure relate to His continued faithfulness to them?